Prince Charles Awarded Highest Military Ranks

The Princes of Wales has been awarded the highest rank in all three military services by the Queen. The Prince becomes a Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Air Force. The Queen has appointed Prince Charles honorary five-star rank in all three services to acknowledge his support in her role as Commander-in-Chief.

Only one other member of the Royal Family holds similar distinction – the Duke of Edinburgh. In addition, Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent is a Field Marshal. The Prince of Wales’ son and heir, the Duke of Cambridge, had also been given a high honour by the Queen recently: he had been appointed a Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle .

The tradition of promoting service chiefs to five-star ranks was stopped in 1995; at the time, a report suggested abolishing them as part of recommendations for financial savings. They are now reserved for special circumstances.

Filed under The United Kingdom
Tagged Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Military, The Prince of Wales.